AMOCA Ceramics Studio

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Pomona, CA
AMOCA Ceramics Studio

AMOCA Ceramics Studio is offering an artist in residence program, a range of studios for all levels of experience to rent on a monthly basis in our 12,000 sq.
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We offer a range of private and semi-private studios for ceramic artists to rent, firing services of all temperatures to the community, a variety of tools and we are a clay distributor for Laguna Clay Company. foot facility, firing services for all temperatures, and we are a clay distributor for Laguna Clay Company.

01/14/2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David Armstrong, beloved founder of the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA), on January 7, 2025.

David's unwavering vision and dedication to ceramic arts education transformed countless lives. He created more than a museum – he built a vibrant community that continues to inspire and educate. His recent joy in witnessing AMOCA's 20th Anniversary celebration, the milestone of paying off our building's mortgage, and the premiere of a short documentary film about his remarkable journey make his loss especially poignant. While we will deeply miss his physical presence, David's spirit will forever resonate through our galleries and ceramic studio.

David leaves behind the love of his life, Julianne, and his children and their spouses: Elizabeth Cornell and her husband, Brad; David S. Armstrong and his wife, Pamela; and Christy Armstrong and her husband, Rodney Rincon. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Rini, and her husband, Michael; grandchildren Michelle Cornell-Davis, Christopher Cornell, Nicole Armstrong Lim, Erin Corson, and Alessa Rincon; and his great-grandchildren Seneca Cornell, Jarelly Cornell, Julianne Davis, and Elizabeth Davis.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Armstrong Fund at AMOCA, 399 N Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91767, or online: https://www.amoca.org/give/armstrong/.

For those wishing to express condolences, cards may be sent to AMOCA, ATTN: Julianne Armstrong, 399 North Garey Avenue, Pomona, CA 91767.

We ask that you keep David's family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

_________________

Pictured: David Armstrong standing in AMOCA’s Julianne and David Armstrong Gallery; film still from David Armstrong: Founder of the American Museum of Ceramic Art, Heather Flores and Alessandro Gentile / Radium 88, 2024.

01/10/2025

Our thoughts are with friends, family, artists, colleagues, local art and cultural institutions, and all those across Southern California dealing with the devastating and ongoing impact of the recent wildfires.

AMOCA and our immediate neighborhood remain largely unaffected by the fires, and the museum is open. We understand the situation may change, and we'll post any updates to our hours or events on our website.

The museum will be open for walk-in visitors this weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11am-4pm. We anticipate upcoming events -- including Clay Classes at the Studio, the Second Saturdays Docent Tour, and the Talking Architectural Pottery panel discussion -- will move forward as planned. If anything changes, we'll notify registrants via email, so keep an eye on your inbox.

We want to help those who’ve been displaced or are suffering losses find support and access the resources they may need. We’ve compiled a list of supportive services, including information, shelter, aid, and care for those navigating these difficult challenges, along with resources specifically for artists.Find the list at https://www.amoca.org/events/resources/ or by following the Resources link in our bio.

Please share additional local resources and opportunities to help. If you're a local ceramic artist who has suffered losses due to the fire and wind storms, please reach out directly -- we may be able to help or connect you with a studio or supplies. 🧡 Take care, and stay safe, everyone!

01/06/2025

AMOCA's vibrant Artist in Residence program is now accepting applications for 2025-2026 residents! Established in 2012, AMOCA's program provides artists support to produce or develop a new body of work; both long- and short-term residencies are available.

Those wanting to learn more should tune into the AIR virtual Information Session on Wednesday, January 15, where you'll get introduced to program staff and listen to current and previous artists in residence share their experiences. There will be time for questions and answers at the end of the session.

Learn more and register by following the link in our bio or visiting https://www.amoca.org/events/air-info-2025/

01/01/2025

AMOCA's vibrant Artist in Residence program is now accepting applications for 2024-2026 residents! Established in 2012, AMOCA's program provides artists support to produce or develop a new body of work; both long- and short-term residencies are available. Those wanting to learn more should tune into the AIR virtual Information Session on Wednesday, January 15, where you'll get introduced to program staff and listen to current and previous artists in residence share their experiences. There will be time for questions and answers at the end of the session.

Learn more and register at https://www.amoca.org/events/air-info-2025/

Pictured: Current AIRs Stephanie Kim, Reniel Del Rosario, and Michelle Solorzano at work in the AMOCA Ceramics Studio.

12/17/2024

Ready to learn something new or hone your skills? It's time to sign up for winter clay classes 😎

The studio offers both beginner and intermediate wheel throwing classes, as well as beginning and continuing hand building classes. And, new this winter, we'll offer a six-week soda firing class!

AMOCA's classes are for adults ages 18 and over (students 16+ may attend when accompanied by a paying adult). 6-week classes encourage development of ceramic skills and are limited to 12 participants; access to open studio hours is included for the duration of the class and one week following.

Six-week winter session classes start in mid January! For more information about studio classes, visit https://www.amoca.org/studio1/classes/

Pictured: soda firing in the AMOCA kiln yard

12/04/2024

Thank you for supporting AMOCA's Education & Outreach Programs on . We raised $4,170, thanks to 16 individuals plus a private donor who doubled all donations yesterday.

We're just $830 shy of our goal. If you're still in the giving mood, you can help us reach $5,000 by donating any amount today at https://givebutter.com/AMOCAgt2024.

Pictured: Students on a school field trip smiling at their teacher for a photo outside of AMOCA; Robin Motooka-Blahut pointing out different pieces in the Diorama with miniature Architectural Pottery Designs by Junior Colmenares and Adam Agajanian; A thank you letter from Neythan at Yorbita Elementary who made a killer whale out of clay; AMOCA’s K-12 and Family Engagement Manager, Chinelo Ufondu, leading students on a tour of A Travelers Guide to Mettlach; A student working with clay

12/04/2024

Hello again – it’s Robin Motooka-Blahut reaching out again to let you know there’s still time to support ✨AMOCA’s Education & Outreach Programs✨ for .

At AMOCA, young artists can access the wonder of creativity through a variety of programs:
⏺K-12 Field Trips provide students with docent-led tours, gallery guides, and hands-on clay activities
⏺Our MudMobile travels to local K-12 schools and community partners to bring them a pop-up exhibition and hands-on clay activities to supplement teaching curriculums
⏺AMOCA’s Teen Council, led by professional artists in our Studio, provides weekly structured professional development for local high school students
⏺And, in 2025 AMOCA will open a new Kids Makerspace in the renovated area of our museum where we’ll imagine many more fabulous programs for our future artists

Art is an integral part of education because everyone can relate to it. Through art, we view messages of beauty, hope, angst, or wonder, and then internalize the artwork and make meaning from it. To have the honor of watching a student undergo that process is the reason that I volunteer.

If you feel the same way I do, I hope you’ll extend your support to these programs with a donation at https://givebutter.com/AMOCAgt2024 today.

Thank you to the donors who have helped us raise $2,450 since this morning. Let's reach our goal of $5,000 by the end of the day.

Don’t forget, your support is being matched 1:1 up to $2,500 thanks to a private donor. Take advantage of this special opportunity to double your impact!

Pictured: Robin Motooka-Blahut leading 2nd graders on a tour of Architectural Pottery; AMOCA’s K-12 and Family Engagement Manager, Chinelo Ufondu, leading students on a drawing activity; A student using a tool for detailed work with clay; A thank you letter from Alyssa at Yorbita Elementary who hopes she can come back again; Robin at the AMOCA entrance welcoming students into the museum; A school field trip lining up to enter the museum

12/03/2024

My name is Robin Motooka-Blahut and I’m a proud Board Member, Docent, and Studio Artist at the American Museum of Ceramic Art. I’m reaching out this to encourage your support of AMOCA’s Education & Outreach Programs.

As a lifelong educator, a mother, a wife, an artist, and a community volunteer I believe there is no higher calling than to invest in the future through teaching and sharing experiences with our children.

I joined AMOCA’s docent program in 2022 and have had the honor of leading hundreds of K-12 students on interpretive tours of our galleries. As an accessible cultural institution, AMOCA enriches students' lives by introducing them to new artists, different customs, and innovative artistic techniques.

I’ve seen a child’s face light up when they realize their rock collection isn’t so different from the Museum’s ceramic collection; I’ve seen them puzzle over how a sculpture that looks like a mayonnaise jar can actually be made out of clay; and I’ve listened to them as they share all of the different ways that they create meaning and connect with the artwork. I am grateful that AMOCA helps me continue to pursue my passion as an educator, affording me these rewarding “aha” moments with the students.

Please join me in supporting AMOCA’s Education and Outreach efforts by donating today at https://givebutter.com/AMOCAgt2024. When you do, your support will be matched 1:1 up to $2,500 by a generous private donor through today only. Help us reach our $5,000 goal with a gift in any amount.

Pictured: A photo of Robin Motooka-Blahut; Robin leading 2nd graders on a tour of Architectural Pottery; Students working with clay; A thank you letter from Aranza at Yorbita Elementary who made an axolotl during her visit; AMOCA’s K-12 and Family Engagement Manager Chinelo Ufondu reading a book to a group of 2nd graders; A school field trip lining up to enter the museum

11/04/2024

🚨 We have a few seats left in this Friday's Introductory sessions in the AMOCA Studio!

Our 1-hour introductory sessions, offered monthly, are the perfect way to get your hands dirty, relax, and have fun! Learn the basics of throwing on the potter’s wheel. And, if you successfully create a bowl, staff will glaze and fire it after the class is completed—all included in the price of the class.

Introductory sessions are for adults ages 18 and over (students 16+ may attend when accompanied by a paying adult). Along with your class comes a pass for complimentary admission to the Museum’s galleries – don’t miss the chance to explore one of the largest collections of ceramic art in the United States!

To learn more and register for a 1-hour class at 5:30pm or 7:30pm this Friday, November 8, visit https://www.amoca.org/studio1/classes/

10/28/2024

We have TWO exciting upcoming opportunities for you to tune in virtually and get insights directly from clay artists! 👏🤩

This Tuesday, October 29 at noon (PDT), Artist in Residence Reniel Del Rosario joins us for a virtual presentation to celebrate his residency in the AMOCA Studio. Del Rosario will share about his practice, past work, and future directions.

Coming up on Friday, November 22 (PST), tune in for a virtual artist talk with Christina A. West, the talented artist behind "Strut." Currently on view in the Igal & Diane Silber Vault Gallery, "Strut" complicates tropes of masculinity common to representations of the male body.

Both presentations will be followed by a moderated Q&A session, where you’ll have the opportunity to pose your own questions to the artists.

Learn more and register for these upcoming talks by visiting https://www.amoca.org/events

Pictured: Reniel Del Rosario, Exist Through the Gift Shop (detail). 2022. Jane Lombard Gift Shop.

Exhibition view of Strut, with Leopold the Model posing at the opening reception; photo by Christina West.

10/14/2024

You're invited! Join us Tuesday, October 29 at noon for a virtual talk with Artist in Residence Reniel Del Rosario to celebrate the beginning of his residency in the AMOCA Studio. Del Rosario will share about his practice, past work, and future directions. There will be an opportunity for Q & A following the presentation.

To learn more and register, follow the link in the bio or visit https://www.amoca.org/events/delrosario-artist-talk/

Pictured: Reniel Del Rosario, Exist Through the Gift Shop (detail). 2022. Jane Lombard Gift Shop.

AMOCA’s Artist in Residence Program, established in 2012, is one of the few long-term fellowship opportunities for ceramic artists on the West Coast. This residency provides artists an opportunity to produce or develop a new body of work. The program is funded through generous support from Julianne and David Armstrong, Laguna Clay, and the Windgate Foundation. Since 2022, thanks to enhanced support from the Windgate Foundation, additional short-term residencies are available for artists based in Southern California.

10/08/2024

🚨 We have a few seats left in this Friday's Introductory session in the AMOCA Studio!

Our 1-hour introductory sessions, offered monthly, are the perfect way to get your hands dirty, relax, and have fun! Learn the basics of throwing on the potter’s wheel. And, if you successfully create a bowl, staff will glaze and fire it after the class is completed—all included in the price of the class.

Or do you want to dig a little deeper into clay? Our fall 6-week classes--in handbuilding, wheel throwing, and more!--begin this week. Class size is limited to 12 students, and during fall session you'll expand your ceramic skills with guidance from our talented instructors. Fall session classes are filling up, but we have a few seats available!

To learn more and register for a 1-hour class this Friday, October 11, or for a six-week class during our fall session, visit https://www.amoca.org/studio1/classes/

10/07/2024

Join us in welcoming Stephanie Kim, newly arrived Artist in Residence in the AMOCA Studio 👏

Stephanie Kim () is a ceramic artist based in California who also works remotely as a software engineer. She has completed short residencies at Clay Studio of Missoula, Baltimore Clayworks, AIR Vallauris, and Red Lodge Clay Center. Stephanie has also exhibited work in many juried exhibitions across the United States. As an artist, Stephanie is constantly pushing herself to explore new techniques and styles, always striving to improve and evolve her craft. She creates large sculptural forms, each one adorned with intricate and expressive drawings that bring her creations to life. Kim will be in residence at AMOCA from October 2024–March 2025.

The Artist in Residence program at the AMOCA Ceramics Studioprovides long- and short-term fellowship opportunities for ceramic artists. It is made possible with support from the Windgate Foundation, Julianne and David Armstrong, and the Laguna Clay and Glaze Company. For more information about AMOCA's Artist in Residence program and our current residents, visit https://www.amoca.org/studio1/artist-in-residence/ or follow the link in our bio.

Pictured:

Stephanie Kim, Breaking, 2023. Stoneware with underglaze, cone 6. 11 x 9 x 9 inches.

Stephanie Kim, Inside My Head (detail), 2023. Porcelain with underglaze, cone 6. 22 x 12 x 8 inches.

09/27/2024

✨When you join us at our Celebration 🎉, you'll not only see great art🏺, enjoy delicious food🥙, and toast to our prosperous future🥂…You'll also get a chance to enter a very special cup raffle!

cups were generously gifted by . You might go home with a piece by Stephen Horn, Grace Sheese, Bill Geisinger, or Margaret Bohls. Proceeds from the cup raffle and ticket sales will help ensure AMOCA’s continued success. ✨

Learn more and register for the 20th Anniversary Celebration by visiting https://www.amoca.org/events/20th_anniversary/

09/15/2024

Join us in extending a warm welcome to AMOCA's newly arrived Artist in Residence, Reniel Del Rosario! 🤩 Reniel will be in residence at AMOCA September 2024–August 2025.

Reniel Del Rosario (b. Iba, Philippines) uses ceramics, quantity, and satire to discuss themes of commodification and value. His projects range from interactive mimicries of consumer establishments, to reimaginings of artifacts, to imperfect copies of already-existing objects. He holds a BA in Art Practice from the University of California at Berkeley. He is a 2019 recipient of the Center for Craft’s Windgate-Lamar fellowship, a 2022 SFMOMA Artists Soapbox Derby racer, and has been featured in writings such as ARTFORUM and Bon Appetit. His work has been exhibited internationally through traditional and alternative venues such as West Coast Craft, Meta Open Arts, the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Catharine Clark Gallery, the 79th Scripps Ceramics Annual, Load Na Dito, San Francisco Art Fair, Praise Shadows Art Gallery, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Jane Lombard Gallery, and simply on the public sidewalk.

The Artist in Residence program at the AMOCA Ceramics Studio provides long- and short-term fellowship opportunities for ceramic artists. It is made possible with support from the Windgate Foundation, Julianne and David Armstrong, and the Laguna Clay and Glaze Company. For more information about AMOCA's Artist in Residence program and our current residents, visit https://www.amoca.org/studio1/artist-in-residence/
Pictured:

Reniel Del Rosario, The American Dream/Renny’s Delicatessen, 2018-2022. Ceramics, installation, performance.

Reniel Del Rosairo, photo credit: Quelquefois Photography

Reniel Del Rosario, Exist Through the Gift Shop (Open Field Gift Shop), 2021. Handbuilt ceramics with artist-fabricated/artist-made faux gift shop/souvenir store ephemera.

Reniel Del Rosario, ‘Round These Here Parts (Bodega detail) (GNIHTON Grocers & jen+friar Gallery), 2024. Ceramics, installation, performance.

09/13/2024

Ready to learn something new or hone your skills? It's time to sign up for fall clay classes 😎 🍂

The studio offers both beginner and intermediate wheel throwing classes, as well as beginning and continuing hand building classes. AMOCA's classes are for adults ages 18 and over (students 16+ may attend when accompanied by a paying adult). 6-week classes encourage development of ceramic skills and are limited to 12 participants; access to open studio hours is included for the duration of the class and one week following.

Six-week fall session classes start in early October! For more information about AMOCA's studio classes, visit https://www.amoca.org/studio1/classes/

Pictured: at work in the AMOCA Studio

09/08/2024

On Tuesday, September 10 at noon, you're invited to join us for a virtual artist talk with Artist in Residence Michelle Solorzano to celebrate her residency in the AMOCA Studio. Solorzano will share about her practice, past work, and future directions. There will be an opportunity for Q & A following the presentation.

To learn more and register, follow the link in our bio or visit https://www.amoca.org/events/solorzano-artist-talk-2/

Michelle Solorzano is a figurative ceramic sculptor whose work explores themes of immigration, identity, and culture, all woven into a narrative shaped by her personal experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Ceramics from the State University of New York at Potsdam and recently completed her Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics at Indiana University. Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Michelle relocated to New York with her family when she was fifteen. Her artwork serves as a testament to the diverse tapestry of Dominican heritage, blending Taino, African, and Spanish influences. Solorzano will be in residence at AMOCA from August 2024–July 2025.

AMOCA’s Artist in Residence Program, established in 2012, is one of the few long-term fellowship opportunities for ceramic artists on the West Coast. This residency provides artists an opportunity to produce or develop a new body of work. The AMOCA Ceramics Studio program is funded through generous support from Julianne and David Armstrong, Laguna Clay, and the Windgate Foundation. Since 2022, thanks to enhanced support from the Windgate Foundation, additional short-term residencies are available for artists based in Southern California.

Pictured:

Michelle Solorzano, Asimilando (detail), 2022. Ceramic and mixed media, white stoneware fired to cone 4. 5.5 feet x 33 inches x 30 inches.

Michelle Solorzano, Papelú (detail), 2023. Ceramic and mixed media. Red stoneware fired to cone 1 (electric). 5.5 feet x 30 inches x 24 inches.

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301 N Garey Avenue
Pomona, CA
91767

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http://www.amoca.org/studio

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Videos

20th Anniversary Cup Raffle!

✨When you join us at our #20thAnniversary Celebration 🎉, you'll not only see great art🏺, enjoy delicious food🥙, and toast to our prosperous future🥂…You'll also get a chance to enter a very special cup raffle! #Raffle cups were generously gifted by #AMOCA #donors. You might go home with a piece by Stephen Horn, Grace Sheese, Bill Geisinger, or Margaret Bohls. Proceeds from the cup raffle and ticket sales will help ensure AMOCA’s continued success. ✨ Learn more and register for the 20th Anniversary Celebration by visiting https://www.amoca.org/events/20th_anniversary/

AMOCA 2023 Year In Review

With the 🎉New Year🎉 just around the corner, we're taking this moment to thank you for all the ways you helped #AMOCA succeed in 2023. It was a fabulous year full of #ceramics 🏺, #celebrations 🤸‍♀️, #laughter 😆, and #learning 📓. Whether you engaged with us in our galleries, in a #Studio workshop, or at a local #MudMobile visit, you contributed immensely to the AMOCA #community, and for that, we're grateful. We hope you enjoy our 2023 Year In Review! It tells all the ways that you helped craft a more lustrous future for AMOCA ✨. If you haven't already, please make your end-of-year donation at www.amoca.org/give or mail a check by December 31st. Your support bolsters our mission to champion the art, history, creation, and technology of ceramics. ✨ Have a Happy and Safe #NewYear! ✨

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20th Anniversary Cup Raffle!

AMOCA 2023 Year In Review

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